Eye Injury Management

Eye injuries make up an astonishing 45% of all head related injuries, and depending on where you work, your eyes could be at higher risk of injury. Some eye injuries such as deep punctures or chemicals in the eye may require immediate medical attention, in these cases always call 911 and seek emergency medical care. Some common eye injuries that are treatable and need monitoring are as follows:

• Corneal Abrasion (scratched eye) - the most common minor eye injury, corneal abrasions are when the surface of the eye has been scratched. Often the result of a forgien body being rubbed inside the eye, such as a piece of dirt or sand.
• Penetration of the Eye - A foriegn body like a fish hook or meta shrapnel have penetrated the surface of the eye. Always seek emergency care in these situations and do not rub the affected eye or try to remove the foriegn object on your own.
• Chemicals in the Eye - Chemicals finding their way into the eye needs to be dealt with promptly. If you have gotten acid or bleach in your eye, call 911 immediately and seek emergency medical care. Redness, burning and inability to see are signs you need emergency care.

Trauma to the eye can include severe scratches and damage to the surface of the cornea. Swelling or bleeding, penetrating or puncture wounds to the eye(s), or chemical burns need to be viewed by a specialist right away. If a specialist is unavailable or the severity of your eye injury concerns you, call 911 or seek evaluation in an emergency room.

Who is High Risk

According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only 35% of adults reported always wearing a form of protective eye gear when doing home projects. Nearly half of all eye related injuries reported each year happen in the home, and the amount of these injuries are only increasing. Taking the necessary precautions when working on home projects could keep you from experiencing an eye injury. Injuries to the eye can sometimes result in permanent vision loss, so always use eye protection.

Eye injuries in the workplace are also very common, more than two thousand people injure their eyes at their place of employment each day. If your job puts your eyes at particular risk, take the necessary safety measures to protect your vision. Make yourself aware of the safety dangers at you job, do what you can to eliminate safety hazards before beginning work, and always use safety regulated eye wear to ensure your eyes are guarded from risk of injury.

After Care for Injured Eyes

If you have experienced an eye injury, talk with your doctor or attending ER Physician about what after care plans you need to make. These may include:

• Cold Compresses gently applied to the eye to reduce swelling. Avoid applying pressure.
• Over the counter or prescribed medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease pain and swelling

If there is additional bruising, bleeding or changes in your vision, seek medical care immediately.